A TOP councillor is being investigated by a standards watchdog after a complaint was made by one of his OWN COLLEAGUES.

Iain McMillan, who is the leader of the Labour Group on Renfrewshire Council, has been reported to the Public Standards Commissioner for Scotland by Jim Sharkey, who represents the Paisley East and Ralston ward.

The Paisley Daily Express has learned that Councillor Sharkey has accused his Labour colleague of breaching the Councillors Code of Conduct.

It is believed the complaint relates to an accusation that Councillor McMillan acted on orders from David Martin, who is the local authoritys chief executive.

The Express understands Councillor Sharkey was due to attend a meeting between two of his constituents, their lawyer and council lawyers over a planning dispute.

But, just a few hours before the meeting was due to take place, he was allegedly ordered not to attend by Councillor McMillan.

At the heart of the complaint is the allegation that Councillor McMillan made the phonecall to Councillor Sharkey after being told to by Mr Martin.

Last night, Councillor McMillan who has been a Labour councillor since 1995 and currently represents the Johnstone South, Elderslie and Howwood ward told the Express: I have been advised not to make any comment on this matter until it has been investigated.

Councillor Sharkey, who was elected in 2007, also said he was unable to discuss the matter.

He added: I have been sent a letter which states that I am not able to talk about this while it is being investigated.

This is usual procedure and I, of course, will be obeying the rules and procedures, which means that I cant make any comment on this matter.

The Public Standards Commissioner for Scotland is an independent officeholder who investigates written complaints about councillors, members of devolved bodies and MSPs who are alleged to have contravened their Code of Conduct.

If it is decided that Councillor McMillan has a case to answer, a report will be sent to the Standards Commission for Scotland, which would make a final decision on whether or not there has been a breach and what sanctions, if any, should be imposed.

The punishment which can be dished out to councillors who are found guilty of wrongdoing include everything from censure to suspension and even disqualification.

A spokeswoman for the Public Standards Commissioner for Scotland said: I can confirm that we have received a complaint against Councillor Iain McMillan, of Renfrewshire Council.

It is not our practice to comment further until the Public Standards Commissioner for Scotland concludes any enquiries/investigation.

A spokesman for Renfrewshire Council added: Investigations into councillors conduct are a matter for the Standards Commission. As a matter of course, the council would respond to any enquiries made of us by the commission.

This is not the first time Councillor Sharkey has been involved in complaints against other elected members.

In October 2009, he reported Councillor Audrey Doig, of the SNP, after she failed to declare an interest in Renfrewshire Leisure while taking part in a debate.

The Standards Commission later staged a hearing and censured Councillor Doig for her actions.

Then, in March last year, Councillor Sharkey reported Lib Dem rival Susan McDonald following a clash between the two Paisley East and Ralston representatives.

However, that complaint was thrown out after the Public Standards Commissioner decided it was not appropriate or in the public interest for the complaint to be investigated as the incident didnt take place in council chambers, during a committee meeting or any other formal proceedings.